Cruise Casino Tier Comparison: Cruise Line Rewards, Points, and Value

Cruise casinos have become a major part of the onboard experience. Many cruise lines offer rewards programs that can lead to benefits such as freeplay, onboard credit, complimentary cruises, and exclusive benefits for frequent players. This breakdown covers each cruise line’s casino rewards system, including how points are earned, what they can be redeemed for, and key details to know. Use it to compare programs and decide which one offers the best value for your style of play!

*Important reminder: Players must use their cruise card or wristband to ensure their play is tracked. Slot players should insert or tap in before playing, while table game players have to present their card to the dealer or pit boss.

Pro Tip* Leverage your perks with one cruise casino program to access perks with other lines through URComped.
Here’s how it works:
- Join URComped: Start by signing up for a free URComped account.
- Submit Casino Status and Offers: After signing up, upload pictures of your current casino offers (from cruises or land-based resorts), and answer a few questions about your play style. URComped verifies these and lets you know when you are approved.
- Receive New Cruise Offers: You can receive exclusive, complimentary cruise offers based on bankroll and submitted offers through your URComped account: Learn More!

Cruise Casino Programs Covered:
MSC Cruises
Royal Caribbean
Celebrity Cruises
Virgin Voyages
Norwegian Cruise Line
Margaritaville at Sea
Carnival Cruise Line
Princess Cruises
Holland America

For a visual comparison, view our Cruise Casino Rewards Comparison Chart for Slots and Video Poker.

MSC Cruise Line Casino Program

VIEW MSC UCHOOSE PROGRAM GRAPH

MSC Cruises rewards casino players through its UChoose program, which is part of the larger MSC Signature Player Rewards program. UChoose relies on a point-based system called Dream Points.

Players earn Dream Points based on their casino play:
- $3 coin-in on slots or video poker = 1 Dream Point
- Table game players should check with onboard casino staff for point calculations

MSC’s UChoose program stands out for its flexibility. Instead of being limited to one fixed reward, players may qualify for multiple benefit options and choose the one that best fits their travel preferences. Once eligible, the host or manager onboard will confirm your selected option and issue the appropriate reward letter or free cruise certificate.

Available rewards may include:
- Complimentary staterooms
- Drink packages (for suite)
- Freeplay
- Free cruise certificates

MSC also allows guests to upgrade their cruise certificate for an additional cost, making it possible to apply rewards toward a sailing that may not otherwise qualify under the standard certificate terms.

Compare MSC Signature Player Rewards to other Cruise Lines with our Cruise Casino Rewards Comparison Chart for Slots and Video Poker. 

Royal Caribbean Casino Program

VIEW CLUB ROYALE PROGRAM GRAPH

Royal Caribbean rewards casino players through its Club Royale program. Unlike MSC's more flexible Dream Points system, Club Royale uses a tier-based model that allows players to earn both Reward Points and Tier Credits through their casino play.

The Club Royale program consists of four tiers: Choice, Prime, Signature, and Masters.

Players Earn Points based on the following casino play:
- Reel Slot Machines: 1 point for every $5 coin-in
- Video Poker: 1 point for every $15 coin-in
- Table Games: Points are based on the game being played, average wager, and length of play

**Certain games, including Texas Hold'em Poker, Keymaster, Cash Crane, and coin pushers, do not qualify for point earning.**

Available Rewards May Include:
- Onboard Benefits
- Club Royale VIP Events
- Complimentary Cruise Offers
- Partner benefits through select casino programs (including Hard Rock Casino partnerships)

Members of Royal Caribbean’s Club Royale can benefit from exclusive discounts and perks at participating Hard Rock locations. Premium tier members will also enjoy annual complimentary trips at select Hard Rock hotels and casinos worldwide. Learn More Here

*Annual stay must be booked and completed within the current tier year.

Royal Caribbean's program year runs from April 1 through March 31, with Tier Credits resetting at the end of each program year. Players who earn annual cruise certificates must book them before the end of the program year.

For players who prefer a clearly defined path to rewards and status, Club Royale makes it easy to track progress and understand what benefits can be earned through continued play.

Compare Club Royale to other Cruise Lines with our Cruise Casino Rewards Comparison Chart for Slots and Video Poker. 

Celebrity Cruise Line Casino Program

VIEW BLUE CHIP CLUB REWARDS PROGRAM GRAPH

Celebrity Cruises rewards casino players through its Blue Chip Club Rewards Program, which offers a mix of redeemable rewards and tier-based benefits. Players earn both Reward Points and Tier Credits through their casino play, allowing them to benefit from onboard redemptions while also progressing through a long-term status system similar to Royal Caribbean.

Tier Credits are accumulated over a 12-month earning period, which is used to determine a guest’s tier status. The Blue Chip Club features six membership tiers: Pearl, Onyx, Amethyst, Sapphire, Sapphire Plus, and Ruby, with benefits increasing as players move up through the program. 

How to Earn Points
- Reel Slot Machines: 1 point for every $5 coin-in
- Video Poker: 1 point for every $15 coin-in
- Table Games: Points are based on the type of game played, average wager, and length of play

**Certain games, including Texas Hold'em Poker, Keymaster, Cash Crane, and coin pushers, do not qualify for point earning.**

Available Rewards May Include:
- Onboard Benefits
- Complimentary Cruises
- Premium Access Benefits (Ruby Tier)
- Partner benefits through select casino programs (including Hard Rock Casino partnerships)

Members of Celebrity's Blue Chip Club can benefit from exclusive discounts and perks at participating Hard Rock locations. Premium tier members will also enjoy annual complimentary trips at select Hard Rock hotels and casinos worldwide. Learn More Here.

*Annual stay must be booked and completed within current tier year.

Celebrity's Blue Chip Club tier year runs from August 1 through July 31, with Tier Credits resetting at the end of each program year. Players who earn annual cruise certificates must book them before the end of the program year.

In many ways, it is similar to Royal Caribbean’s Club Royale program, as both use a tier-based structure, and a mix of immediate casino rewards alongside long-term status benefits. However, Celebrity tends to focus more on premium benefits, while still following a very comparable underlying rewards structure.

Compare Blue Chip Club to other Cruise Lines with our Cruise Casino Rewards Comparison Chart for Slots and Video Poker. 

Virgin Voyages Casino Program

VIEW SEA ROLLER REWARDS PROGRAM GRAPH

Virgin Voyages rewards casino players through its five-tier Sea Roller Rewards Program. Players begin by registering through an online form before sailing, which activates their ability to earn and track points once onboard.

The program features five membership tiers: Showstopper, Star, Superstar, Idol, and Legend. 

How to Earn Points:
- Slot Machines: 1 point for every $5 spent
- Video Poker: 1 point for every $10 spent
- Table Games: Points are based on average bet, session length, hands played, and game type

Status is earned within a 12-month cycle ranging from May 1 – April 30. Players can level up during the earning period based on ongoing play. Once a tier is achieved, it is retained through the end of the following cycle. Continued play is required to maintain or improve status

Available Rewards May Include:
- Freeplay
- Complimentary Cabins
- Free Drinks While Playing
- VIP Invitations and Onboard Experiences

Virgin Voyages’ system is more structured than most modern cruise casino programs, but still places strong emphasis on ongoing play and maintaining status year to year, rather than lifetime loyalty. 

Compare Sea Roller Rewards to other Cruise Lines with our Cruise Casino Rewards Comparison Chart for Slots and Video Poker. 

Norwegian Cruise Line Casino Program

VIEW CASINOS AT SEA GRAPH

Norwegian Cruise Line rewards casino players through its Casinos at Sea program based on their tracked casino play.

The program’s tiers include: Jade, Pearl, Sapphire, Ruby, and Elite. There are rewards exclusively for Norwegian Cruise Line and rewards that can be used for any of the brands under Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania, and Regent Seven Seas)

How to Earn Points:
- Reel & Video Slots: 1 point for every $5 wagered
- Video Poker: 1 point for every $10 wagered
- Table Games: Points are based on average bet, session length, hands played, and game type

NCL’s program operates annually from April 1 to March 31. Points earned during this cycle determine the tier status for the remainder of the cycle and the following year. Points reset on April 1st. 

*Bonus or adjusted points do not count toward tiers

Onboard Points can also be redeemed in different ways depending on membership level:
- Redeem for Freeplay onboard
- Pearl tier and above can apply points toward final onboard charges or save them for a future sailing
- Points may be transferred between ships
- Unused points remain valid for up to 18 months if not redeemed
- Redemption for onboard charges is typically available during the final hours of the cruise, and must be handled through the casino host.

*It’s important to note that this benefit is only applicable to sailings 3-Days or longer.

Norwegian Cruise Line's Casinos at Sea is similar to Virgin’s tier structure, but additionally provides the opportunity to earn benefits with other brands.

Compare Casinos at Sea to other Cruise Lines with our Cruise Casino Rewards Comparison Chart for Slots and Video Poker. 

Margaritaville at Sea Casino Program

VIEW CASINO PLAYERS CLUB PROGRAM GRAPH

With October 1, 2026 as the launch date, Margaritaville at Sea uses their Casino Players Club to reward players based on their tracked casino play. This tiered program includes the following levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. 

How to Earn Points:
- Reel & Video Slots: 1 point for every $5 wagered
- Video Poker: 1 point for every $10 wagered
- Table Games: Points are based on average bet, session length, and game type

The Casino Players Club operates annually from October 1 to September 30. Points earned during this cycle determine the tier status for the remainder of the cycle and the following year. Points reset on October 1st. 

Available Rewards May Include:
- Onboard Credits
- Complimentary Cabins
- Free Drinks While Playing
- Freeplay Offers
- VIP Invitations and Onboard Experiences

View our Cruise Casino Rewards Comparison Chart for Slots and Video Poker. 

Carnival, Princess, & Holland America Casino Program

Carnival Corporation which includes Carnival Cruise Line, Princess, and Holland America is somewhat of a special case when it comes to casino rewards programs. Unlike many cruise lines that publish detailed information about tier levels, qualification requirements, and member benefits, these three brands provide relatively limited public information about how their casino loyalty programs work.

Carnival Casino Program:

VIEW PLAYERS CLUB PROGRAM OFFER TIER GRAPH

Carnival includes the most information of the three with their Players Club, but there are still significant gaps in what is publicly disclosed. However, the casino points earned also impact Carnival Rewards, which additionally, have added benefits. The cruise line publishes how players earn casino points, including:

How to Earn Points:
- 1 Casino Point for every $2 coin-in on slot machines 
- 1 Casino Point for every $5 coin-in on video poker 
- Table game points based on the game played, average bet size, and duration of play. 

Their casino offers are tiered as Getaway, Premier, Ultra, and Elite. While players can see how points are earned and what benefits may be available at various levels, Carnival does not fully disclose the points required for each offer tier level. The exact amount of play required for the program's most valuable benefits remains entirely dependent on the casino's internal process. 

Available Benefits May Include: 
- Free Drinks While Playing
- Exclusive Tournament Events
- Complimentary Cabins
- Elite and Adults-Only Cruises

Carnival Rewards:

VIEW CARNIVAL REWARDS PROGRAM GRAPH

Carnival Rewards, launched September 1, 2026, replacing Carnival's VIFP loyalty program.  Carnival Rewards gives benefits to all Carnival cruisers using a tier-based model that allows guests to earn Stars through their casino play as well as eligible purchases.

The program consists of four tiers: Red, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond.

How to Earn Stars in Carnival Casinos: 
- 1 Star = 1 Casino Point for every $2 coin-in on slot machines 
- 1 Star = 1 Casino Point for every $5 coin-in on video poker 
- 1 Star = 1 Casino Point: Table game points based on the game played, average bet size, and duration of play.

How to Earn Stars on Carnival (non casino):
- 3 Stars for ever $1 spent on eligible purchases. 

Carnival Rewards status period is for two years. Once you earn you status you get to enjoy it for the remainder of that earning period, and for the next two year period. The current earning period ends December 31st, 2028 for enjoyed status through December 31, 2030. Stars rest at the end of each earning period. 

Available Benefits May Include:
- Priority Access
- Member Support
- Complimentary Beverages

The Rewards program also offers Milestone Rewards at guest's first 50 days sailed, first 100 days sailed, and every 500 days sailed.
At 50 days, guests receive: Bonus 5,000 Reward Points, Special Sail & Sign Card.
At 100 days, guests receive: Bonus 10,000 Reward Points, Special Sail & Sign Card, Onboard Recognition, Commemorative Coin, and Onboard Credit.
Every 500 days, guests receive: Bonus 10,000 Reward Points, Special Sail & Sign Card, Onboard Recognition, Onboard Credit, Commemorative Coin, Gift, and Keepsake.

Rewards Points can be redeemed towards cruise fare, deposit, shore excursions, specialty dining, wifi, drink packages, spa, and other onboard purchases.

Compare Carnival Rewards to other Cruise Lines with our Cruise Casino Rewards Comparison Chart for Slots and Video Poker.

Princess Cruise Line Casino Program:

VIEW PRINCESS PLAYERS ADVANTAGE PROGRAM GRAPH

Princess Cruise Line rewards casino players through its Princess Players Advantage program based on their tracked casino play. Princess Cruises provides even less information about its casino rewards program. The cruise line states that members of the program can receive benefits based on their level of play and that top casino guests may receive invitations to exclusive Prestige Cruises.

Available Benefits May Include:
- Complimentary Cruises
- VIP Invitations to Special Events
- Freeplay
- Drinks On Us

Their tiers consist of Hearts, Ultimate, Prestige, and Diamonds. Beyond general descriptions, Princess does not publicly publish a tier chart, point-earning schedule, or a detailed breakdown of benefits. As a result, players typically learn what rewards they qualify for through direct offers rather than a clearly defined rewards structure.

View our Cruise Casino Rewards Comparison Chart for Slots and Video Poker. 

Holland America Casino Program

VIEW PLAYERS CLUB PROGRAM GRAPH

Holland America's Players Club follows a similar approach to Princess. The cruise line notes that players can earn benefits such as instant casino cash, complimentary drinks, future cruise offers, and other rewards based on their level of play.  One of the few specific details Holland America makes public is that slot players receive $10 in instant casino cash for every 1,000 points earned. Their offers are broken into types that include different benefits: VIP, Tournaments, Ultimate Games, and Prestige.

Available Benefits May Include:
- Freeplay
- Exclusive Casino Events
- Complimentary Cruises
- Complimentary Drinks
- Spa Credit

View our Cruise Casino Rewards Comparison Chart for Slots and Video Poker. 

Cruise casino rewards programs generally follow the same core structure: tracking play and converting that into enticing benefits. Rewards can vary widely even for similar levels of play, with some lines offering visibility and others not. URComped helps players receive comped cruise offers across multiple cruise lines and casino partners, making it easier to find the best available comps for your level of play. 

Here’s how it works:
- Join URComped: Start by signing up for a free URComped account.
- Submit Casino Status and Offers: After signing up, upload pics of your current casino offers (from cruises or land-based resorts). URComped verifies these and lets you know when you are approved.
- Receive New Cruise Offers: You can receive exclusive, complimentary cruise offers based on bankroll and submitted offers through your URComped account: Learn More!